History
It all started with two engineers with a radical vision.
Studio NYL was founded with the belief that all architecture can be elevated through the inventive use of structures and facades that enhance—rather than limit—design.
2004: Studio NYL is founded
Founders Chris O’Hara and Julian Lineham met while working together at Loris and Associates. The two hit it off immediately and started Studio NYL in 2004 as a small, boutique engineering firm in Boulder, CO.
Their shared passion for raising design standards through the artful use of structure that has driven their approach since the very beginning.
Chris and Julian’s innovative ideals for the engineering profession grew out of their early experiences working in New York, London, and the Middle East.
Julian spent his early career with three of England’s most renowned structural engineering firms leading teams on notable projects like Microsoft’s UK headquarter campus, redevelopment of the historic No. 1 Princess Street building in the heart of London, and the British Embassy in Oman.
Chris launched his career in New York where we worked on many unique projects ranging from theatrical rigging to amusement park rides.
After launching the company out of O’Hara’s home, they went knocking on the doors of Colorado’s architecture firms, pitching themselves as designers who just happened to be engineers; creative thinkers, not number crunchers.
Julian and Chris stand atop a glass staircase they designed for a luxury residence in Aspen, Colorado.
Milestones
“Studio NYL Headquarters moves from Boulder to Denver to consolidate the team in one location and better serve the majority of their Colorado clients and design collaborators.”
“Studio NYL becomes one of the first 20 signatory firms of the Structural Engineering Institute’s SE-2050 Challenge, committing to net-zero carbon. ”
“Julian Lineham is elected as Americas Representative (Canada, North, Central, and South America plus the Caribbean) and Council Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers in London.”
“Studio NYL’s work with Payette at Amherst’s New Science Building earns Studio NYL’s first AIA COTE Top 10 Award.”
“ The American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Structural Engineering Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers admit Susan Jorgensen as a Fellow. ”
“The American Society of Civil Engineers and the Structural Engineering Institute admit Julian Lineham as a Fellow. ”
“Studio NYL establishes a satellite office in Colorado Springs, CO.”
“Studio NYL establishes a satellite office in Minneapolis, MN.”
“The Institute of Civil Engineers in London, the world’s oldest engineering institution, welcomes Julian Lineham as a Fellow. ”
“Studio NYL opens its Denver, CO office with three initial employees.”
“Studio NYL establishes a satellite office in Boston, MA. ”
“Bizwest Mercury honors Studio NYL as one of Boulder’s fastest growing company in the Boulder Valley region for the fifth year in a row. ”
“Studio NYL’s work with Pyatt Studio and BNIM is featured in the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York. ”
“Julian Lineham is elected as the Western USA Representative (for 13 Western US states) of The Institution of Civil Engineers in London.”
“Studio NYL, partnering with Perkins+Will Sports group, wins a competition to design the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid football stadium in Dubai, UAE—a 60,000 seat FIFA stadium.”
“Studio NYL expands its leadership team promoting Ted Godfrey to Principal and Structural Technical Director, and Will Babbington to Principal and Facade Design Director.”
“Studio NYL welcomes Susan Jorgensen, PE to the team as Quality Manager.”
“Studio NYL projects earn over 100 design awards regionally, nationally, and internationally.”
“Studio NYL kicks off its partnership with Sasaki, expanding global reach.”
“Studio NYL forms the Skins group and adds Will Babbington to the team. Will quickly helped the firm build their portfolio of creative and diverse projects, as well as a growing library of tools, techniques, and materials they could implement. ”
“Studio NYL partners with Rojkind architects on their first international project.”
“Building Design and Construction names Chris O’Hara to its 40-under-40 list. ”
“Julian Lineham and Chris O’Hara receive “Contribution to the Built Environment by a Non-Architect” honor award from AIA North CO chapter.”
“Studio NYL receives the James S. Sudler, AIA Award for Contribution by a Non-Architect to AIA Denver.”
“Building Design and Construction names Chris O’Hara to its 40-under-40 list.”
“Ted Godfrey, PE joins the team.”
“Studio NYL opens its doors.”
Today: internationally known
Today, Studio NYL has grown to 18 employees across four locations (Denver, CO, Colorado Springs, CO, Minneapolis, MN, and Boston, MA). In addition to their extensive portfolio of conventional building types of all sizes and complexity, Studio NYL is overseeing an expanding number of global projects which allow the team to explore new structural and architectural technologies, skin applications, and environmental solutions. They seek opportunities to reinvent existing traditional systems on landmark buildings around the world.